What can we use to predict NSQ:CPRT's share price direction?

An important question for large-cap investors right now is whether the current market uncertainty caused by Covid-19 will affect the share prices of companies like Copart Inc.

Copart Inc shares are currently trading at 80.13. To predict how the price will move over the next 12 months, it's worth assessing its ability to withstand economic shocks and ride out market volatility.

No-one has a crystal ball, but research shows that stocks that are good quality and have strong momentum are often best placed to handles these kinds of challenges. That's because good quality stocks tend to be resilient, cash-generating businesses that can compound investment returns over time. And those with strong momentum in price and earnings have a habit of beating expectations.

The good news is that Copart Inc scores well against some important financial and technical measures, and has strong exposure to both high quality and strong momentum...

Why quality stocks pay off

When it comes to stock analysis, company quality tends to show up in high profitability and strong industry-leading margins. These kinds of firms are stable, growing and often have accelerating sales and earnings. They also have strong and improving financial histories with no signs of accountancy or bankruptcy risk.

One of the stand out quality metrics for Copart Inc is its 5-year Return on Capital Employed, which is a solid 27.8%. Good, double-digit ROCEs are a pointer to companies that can grow very profitably.

Harnessing the power of momentum

Positive momentum trends show up in share prices and earnings growth. You can find the clues in stocks that are trading close to their 52 week high prices and outperforming the market. They’ll often be beating broker estimates and getting forecast upgrades and recommendation changes.

This is true at Copart Inc, where the share price has seen a 20.5% return relative to the market over the past 12 months. Market volatility and economic uncertainty can be a major drag on momentum, but previously strong stocks can be quick to recover when confidence returns.

In summary, good quality and momentum are pointers to some of the best stocks on the strongest uptrends. This combination of factors can be a clue to finding shares that can deliver solid investment profits over many years. 

In good times, these shares can become expensive to buy. But in volatile markets, there may be chances to buy them at knock-down prices.

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